Rs2.6 trllion pending road schemes put NHA under NA Committee Scrutiny  

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications expressed serious concern over toll tax being collected

Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications expressed serious concern over toll tax being collected on under construction and incomplete roads, while also questioning why all toll plazas in Sindh were awarded to a single contractor. The committee also raised alarm over huge pending road schemes, noting that out of the total Public Sector Development Programme outlay of Rs3.7 trillion, around Rs2.6 trillion consists of throw forward schemes. These are projects that have already started but still need large amounts of money for completion.

The 18th meeting of the Standing Committee on Communications was held on Friday, July 3, 2026, in the Constitution Room, Parliament House, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani. At the beginning, the chairman informed the committee about the reasons for the Secretary, Ministry of Communications’, absence from the previous meeting without prior intimation. After discussion, the committee decided not to initiate proceedings against the Secretary under the relevant rules on this occasion.

During the meeting, the committee reviewed its previous recommendations about PSDP schemes. The committee was informed that the Rs60 billion allocated to the National Highways Authority had been reduced in the federal budget due to austerity measures and emerging security requirements. Officials told the committee that 71 ongoing projects fall under the category of throw-forward schemes.

The committee sought a complete status report on these schemes, including province wise details and expected completion timelines. The committee was also informed that the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives had not included development schemes proposed by members of the National Assembly. Officials said the current policy prioritizes completing ongoing projects instead of approving new schemes.

Chairman Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani observed that spending on road maintenance had remained very limited during the last two years. He directed the Ministry to submit a detailed report on the use of maintenance funds, especially in Sindh. A member from Balochistan raised concern over delay in the Lasbela Awaran Road project. The member also pointed out that Rs5 billion allocated for the Kharan-Basima Road had remained unused for several years.

Regarding the New Baran Bridge project, the Secretary, Ministry of Communications, informed the committee that its feasibility study had been completed. He said the project would be financed through Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank funding. The committee also sought an update on the slow pace of work on the Keti Bandar Road project and asked the Ministry to provide its expected completion timeline.

Members also expressed serious concern over the long delay in the Quetta Zhob Road project. A committee member said that despite nearly two decades of work, the 320 kilometre project still faces many diversions. The member also said the 13-kilometre section from Fort Munro to Loralai carries heavy inter provincial traffic and should be prioritized.

In response, the Chairman NHA assured the committee that this section would be completed during the current year through maintenance funds because of its strategic importance. Another member raised concern over the limited field presence of the NHA Member representing Sindh. The committee stated that stronger on site supervision is necessary for the timely completion of ongoing road projects. The incomplete Shahdadkot Bypass project was also discussed.

The committee directed that the General Manager, NHA Sukkur, must attend the next meeting. The committee also highlighted the case of Rajanpur Toll Plaza, where toll revenue is still being collected despite the road not being fully completed and despite the committee’s earlier recommendations. Members also questioned why the operation of all toll plazas in Sindh was awarded to a single contractor. The committee said such matters need proper examination because toll collection directly affects citizens and transporters.

A member advised NHA to ensure that big corporate beneficiaries of road projects contribute through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. The member said such companies should support the socio economic development of local communities, especially in Balochistan. The committee also reviewed progress on the M-6 Sukkur Hyderabad Motorway. Officials informed the committee that the project consists of five sections: Hyderabad-Tando Adam, Tando Adam-Nawabshah, Nawabshah-Naushahro Feroze, Naushahro Feroze-Ranipur, and Ranipur-Sukkur.

The committee was informed that Rs30 billion had been allocated during the current financial year, while the total demand was Rs70 billion. Officials said Sections I and II would be completed under the Public Private Partnership model. Sections IV and V would be financed through the Islamic Development Bank, while Section III would be financed through the OPEC Fund. The Ministry also briefed the committee on the expected start schedule and current progress of each section.

The committee also reviewed facilities provided by NHA to commuters on motorways and national highways. Members acknowledged the existing arrangements but said more improvements are needed. The committee sought details of new initiatives planned for travelers. It also repeated its earlier direction that all lanes at toll plazas should remain open at all times. NHA was directed to take strict action against contractors who violate the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures.

The committee formed a subcommittee, convened by Syed Hafeezuddin. The sub committee includes Ramesh Lal, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar and Shamsher Ali Mazari as members. The sub committee will examine NHA’s throw forward schemes, including their start and completion dates, original approved cost, expenditure already made and province wise details. It will also review the toll plaza tendering process, including the award of all toll plazas in Sindh to a single contractor. The sub committee will further examine the collection of toll tax on under construction roads despite earlier recommendations of the committee.